Brendan Paddy
@bjpaddy.bsky.social
Looking to make the outdoors for everyone as director of Ramblers Scotland but these are personal views. Expect pics of walks, posts on politics/world news, risidual overseas aid and guest appearances by a small hairy murderer named Pixie.
Right wing critics of the BBC care about impartially in much the same way as Elon Musk cares about free speech
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC board member with Tory links ‘led charge’ in systemic bias claims, say insiders
Sources say Robbie Gibb amplified criticisms of Trump, Gaza and trans rights coverage, and had ‘a lot of oxygen in the room’
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Right wing critics of the BBC care about impartially in much the same way as Elon Musk cares about free speech
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
BBC faces ‘existential’ threat after exit of top executives
Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British society
on.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Oh wow! A London Underground station being officially Listed is always great news - this one especially so. Southwark station, 1999 by MacCormac Jamieson Prichard, has just been Listed at Grade 2. Now for the other JLE stations. @c20society.bsky.social
historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-...
historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-...
November 11, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Oh wow! A London Underground station being officially Listed is always great news - this one especially so. Southwark station, 1999 by MacCormac Jamieson Prichard, has just been Listed at Grade 2. Now for the other JLE stations. @c20society.bsky.social
historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-...
historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
UK red kites bring Spanish cousins back from the brink
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK red kites bring Spanish cousins back from the brink
A project to revive red kite populations in south-west Spain sees new mating pairs and chicks.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:25 PM
UK red kites bring Spanish cousins back from the brink
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
The BBC will fuck things up from time to time. Lots of major news organisations do; just look at The Times having to memoryhole several fake news stories in a matter of weeks.
No one is calling for the abolition of The Times, however.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
No one is calling for the abolition of The Times, however.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
UK newspaper editor calls Bill de Blasio fake interview blunder ‘humiliating’
A Times associate editor reportedly addressed situation in an email to staff, saying: ‘We should have been on our guard’
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:53 AM
The BBC will fuck things up from time to time. Lots of major news organisations do; just look at The Times having to memoryhole several fake news stories in a matter of weeks.
No one is calling for the abolition of The Times, however.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
No one is calling for the abolition of The Times, however.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Depressing that the BBC has so little inherent institutional strength, it is kicked about so easily.
This is not good sign for our polity.
This is not good sign for our polity.
November 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Depressing that the BBC has so little inherent institutional strength, it is kicked about so easily.
This is not good sign for our polity.
This is not good sign for our polity.
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
![Cartoon by Stephen Collins for The Guardian. Script as follows:
[scene is Winston Churchill in a bbc studio, giving his 'finest hour' speech]
1
CHURCHILL:
The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us.
2
CHURCHILL:
Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war.
3
CHURCHILL:
If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free
and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sun-
BBC PRESENTER:
Thank you prime minister
4
BBC PRESENTER:
Mr hitler, your response?
5
HITLER [in the studio]:
Vell zis is hysterical woke nonsense as usual from mr Churchill
6
HITLER:
What we are proposing -
CHURCHILL:
Hang on
7
HITLER:
Let me finish - what we are proposing eez a simple power-sharing arrangement -
8
CHURCHILL:
What's he doing here
BBC PRESENTER:
It's important we hear both sides of the debate
9
CHURCHILL:
This isn't a debate
You don't debate fascists
10
HITLER:
Oh here we go with ze Godwins law!
11
HITLER:
Why must you people always compare ze things you don't like to 'fascists, Nazis, Hitler'...
CHURCHILL:
Because you are a fascist Nazi Hit-
12
HITLER [standing up, saluting]:
RAUSS!
BBC PRESENTER:
*Please* Mr Churchill let him speak
[ends]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4m3we4apbjayclzcnhwe3pfp/bafkreibw4ldc3fhslbvxgy2oqrof2oys5kpgh7zu6a5f3usmx3lf4547qm@jpeg)
Moore rather gave the game away on Today just now when he mentioned climate change as one of the things on which the BBC should be impartial. Treating the truth and lies as though they are equal isn't impartiality, it's an abdication of the most basic journalistic responsibility
November 10, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Moore rather gave the game away on Today just now when he mentioned climate change as one of the things on which the BBC should be impartial. Treating the truth and lies as though they are equal isn't impartiality, it's an abdication of the most basic journalistic responsibility
'Killed because they are Alawites': Fear among Syria's minorities after the fall of Assad
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Fear among Syria's minorities after the fall of Assad
Many among Syria's minorities see little future in the country amid revenge attacks and sectarian killings.
www.bbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:46 AM
'Killed because they are Alawites': Fear among Syria's minorities after the fall of Assad
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Amazing how often we say 'too many visitors' when what we mainly mean is 'too many cars'
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
Can Highland Perthshire cope with 'unprecedented' tourist demand?
Local businesses rely on visitors coming to Dunkeld, but some residents worry the town can no longer cope.
news.stv.tv
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Amazing how often we say 'too many visitors' when what we mainly mean is 'too many cars'
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
It’s been bonkers recently in Dunkeld really noticeably busy
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
Can Highland Perthshire cope with 'unprecedented' tourist demand?
Local businesses rely on visitors coming to Dunkeld, but some residents worry the town can no longer cope.
news.stv.tv
November 9, 2025 at 7:17 PM
It’s been bonkers recently in Dunkeld really noticeably busy
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Gorgeous sunset this evening here on the Isle of Skye. I’m up here for a few days.
November 9, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Gorgeous sunset this evening here on the Isle of Skye. I’m up here for a few days.
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
A wet few days on the Burma Road/Kinrara Estate. Not much in the way of views high up but some dramatic clouds over Strathspey from lower down. #Strathspey #cairngorms
November 9, 2025 at 9:20 PM
A wet few days on the Burma Road/Kinrara Estate. Not much in the way of views high up but some dramatic clouds over Strathspey from lower down. #Strathspey #cairngorms
Shocking that the BBC failed to do a balancing programme about Harris, presumably on the flimsy pretext that she hadn't tried to overthrow the democratically elected government?
Michael Prescott was ‘“shocked” that after an hour-long Panorama documentary dealing with Trump and the January 6 insurgency, there was no “similar, balancing” programme about Kamala Harris.’
More read about the machinations between the BBC resignations, the more worrying it becomes
More read about the machinations between the BBC resignations, the more worrying it becomes
The departure of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness means the BBC is leaderless when it needs leadership more than ever. Where are the people at the head of the BBC standing up for it?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
November 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Shocking that the BBC failed to do a balancing programme about Harris, presumably on the flimsy pretext that she hadn't tried to overthrow the democratically elected government?
"Shutdown could reduce US flights 'to a trickle', transport secretary warns" - over Thanksgiving, when many Americans are trying to get home to be with their families, this is going to lead to a serious backlash
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Shutdown could reduce US flights 'to a trickle', transport secretary warns
US lawmakers are working over the weekend as they seek a bipartisan deal to end the shutdown, which is now on day 40.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"Shutdown could reduce US flights 'to a trickle', transport secretary warns" - over Thanksgiving, when many Americans are trying to get home to be with their families, this is going to lead to a serious backlash
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Centuries of overgrazing & muirburn for grouse moors mean Highland Scotland looks treeless & desolate. But it doesn't have to be this way. New film Scotland's Missing Forests went online y'day. Chuffed to see almost 10k views. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Centuries of overgrazing & muirburn for grouse moors mean Highland Scotland looks treeless & desolate. But it doesn't have to be this way. New film Scotland's Missing Forests went online y'day. Chuffed to see almost 10k views. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Inshriach Forest #Scotland #Cairngorms #Inshriach #Rothiemurchus 👀 damianshields.photoshelter.com/p/2026-calen...
November 9, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Inshriach Forest #Scotland #Cairngorms #Inshriach #Rothiemurchus 👀 damianshields.photoshelter.com/p/2026-calen...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
Simple rule: Stop setting carbon on fire to make energy. It ain't sustainable.
Drax still burning 250-year-old trees sourced from forests in Canada, experts say
Exclusive: report by Stand.earth says subsidiary of power plant received truckloads of whole logs at biomass pellet sites
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Simple rule: Stop setting carbon on fire to make energy. It ain't sustainable.
I'm sure the Chancellor will be listening carefully to what the Finance Secretary has to say about UK borrowing & will be paying close attention to the implications for Scotland of her decisions on tax & spending...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Scotland's finance secretary asks chancellor for assurances over tax plans
Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out income tax rises which would result in an funding shortfall for Scotland.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:08 AM
I'm sure the Chancellor will be listening carefully to what the Finance Secretary has to say about UK borrowing & will be paying close attention to the implications for Scotland of her decisions on tax & spending...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Brendan Paddy
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc